Solo

2015 Solo Open (Thames Valley Series) Meeting

The Burghfield Solo Open (Thames Valley Series) will be held at Burghfield Sailing Club on Saturday 25th April alongside the Streaker and Comet Open Meetings. Further details, and pre-registration details below.

Entry fee is £10 if pre-registered before Thursday 23rd April, or £15 on the day.

Additional Information

Previous Events

Solo, Comet & OK Open 2014

Burghfield's Solo, Comet and OK Open Meeting will be on Saturday 26th April. The club utilises a pre-booking system to aid in planning for events so please use the link below to enter. Pre-entry entitles you to save on the entry fee (£10 pre-booked, £12 entering on the day). Pre-entry for the event closes on Thursday 25th April, after which normal entry fee applies.

The first race will not start before 11am.
Please use the link below to pre-register for the event. Pre-registration will close on Friday 25th April at 9am.

Solo and Comet Open 2013

Comet & Solo Meeting Saturday 27th April 2013
Burghfield's Comet and Solo Open Meeting will be on Saturday 27th April. The club utilises a pre-booking system to aid in planning for events so please use the link below to enter. Pre-entry entitles you to save on the entry fee (£10 pre-booked, £12 entering on the day). Pre-entry for the event closes on Thursday 25th April, after which normal entry fee applies.

The first race will not start before 11am.
Please use the link below to pre-register for the event. Pre-registration will close on Friday 26th April at 9am.

Burghfield Sailing Club Solo Winter Series 2013

The BSC Solo Class Winter Series is now underway with the first two races completed this Sunday the 6th Jan. The Series will continue over the coming winter and all Solo sailors are welcome, club members and visitors alike. It will be run as part of the club frostbite series each Sunday AM and PM from now through to the 10th March 2013 consisting of 20 races, 2 per day with 10 to qualify for a result.
The start will continue to be the slow handicap fleet with the final positions being extracted for the Solo Fleet results. At the end of the series Trophies will be awarded to the Champion, runner up and third place along with a special prize awarded at the discretion of the slow fleet Captain.

First race each day starts at 11:00 hrs and the afternoon race at 13:30 hrs. For visitors a charge of £5 per day or £50 for a series membership will be applied. The series membership will include a space in the boat park for the duration of the series.
With 18 races to go there is still plenty of opportunity to come and join in for what promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable, competitive series of racing supported by excellent club facilities and a friendly fleet.

Solo Open Report 2011

The BSC Solo Open on 1st October saw 6 visitors join 10 locals for the eighth and penultimate meeting in the 2011 Thames Valley Solo series. Watching the weather forecasts throughout the week leading up to the event the predictions were for an indian summer with soaring temperatures and light winds. Arriving at the club early to clear blue skies, temperature already in the twenties all that was missing for that champagne day was the force three!! The lake was a mirror, but as the boats were rigged and the bacon butties consumed the wind started to show itself in patches but only a force one in the “gusts” at best. The race officer Steve Townsend took the briefing and got us on the water setting a course that used the middle and top of the lake where the zephyr was just enough to give the sailors a fighting chance to keep their boats moving. Race one got underway with local helm John Eubank taking an early lead accompanied by the Thames Valley Series regulars Simon Corper, Barry Wickes and Dan Goodman with BSC Fleet Captain Paul Bristow gaining downwind to close the gap at the finish. Two laps were raced in the drifting conditions with Simon Corper taking the win from Barry Wickes, Dan Goodman, John Eubank and Paul Bristow.

Back to the club house for lunch over which a little more breeze became evident at the top of the lake allowing Steve to set a respectable first beat. Once again the leading bunch from the first race got away in the slightly stronger but shifty breeze joined by local helms Ian Linder, Dave Jones and early showings by Colin Price and Keith Runacres. Simon again took the win with Barry, Dan and John finishing in the same order as the first race and Ian Linder taking fifth.

The course and the breeze remained the same for race three with just a little more in the gusts at times allowing the legs to be stretched upwind. This time Dan Goodman got away on the first beat with Barry Wickes and John Ewbank. Simon having taken two bullets and therefore the open win headed back to the clubhouse to prepare his winning speech!! Dan took the win from Barry, John, Paul, and in fifth another local helm Peter Angwin.

Back to the club house for tea, cakes and a beer the prize giving was hosted by BSC Fleet Captain Paul Bristow with Glassware being handed out to the top 3 and top BSC helm.

Congratulations to Simon Corper for his two race wins and the event overall in his brand new Winder/Speed Mark 2 on its maiden voyage, apparently keeping up a tradition of winning first time out with a new “Speed” boat!!
My thanks to the lake management team who made a monumental effort over the preceding two weeks to keep the lake sailable allowing the event to take place.
Many thanks also to the visitors who took part and to the race officer Steve Townsend, assistant race officers and the rescue crews for all their efforts which despite the challenging conditions made for a thoroughly enjoyable day.
The Thames Valley Solo Series is still not decided with Simon Corper and Dan Goodman neck and neck, the 2011 title is still to play for with the final event of the series at Kingsmead next Saturday where the winner takes all.

The Burghfield Sailing Club Solo Open on 2nd October saw 11 visitors join 9 locals for the eighth and penultimate meeting in the 2010 Thames Valley Solo series. Watching the weather forecasts throughout the week leading up to the event the predictions went from wet and windy to no wind and dry.

Arriving at the club early the fog was thick with no wind to move it on. As the sun broke through the fog cleared and the lake was like a mill pond but as the 11 o’clock scheduled start approached the wind started to fill in at the top of the lake. As a precaution the first start was delayed to 11:30 and the racing got underway in light force 1 and typically shifty conditions.

The race officer Steve Townsend set a simple course in an attempt to give the sailors a fighting chance to keep their boats moving and race one got underway with Jon Clarke once again showing his mastery of the light conditions to get away from the fleet on the first beat to take the win convincingly. Rob Wilder showed good speed to take second with Barry Wickes third, Jon Jowlett fourth and Steve Jones fifth.

Back to the club house for lunch over which the breeze changed direction remained shifty but slightly increased over that in the previous race. The course for race two was changed accordingly and once again Jon Clarke got away to take the win with Vanda Jowlett second, Rob Wilder third, Steve Jones in fourth and Tim Polelase in fifth.

For the start of the third and final race the course was changed again as the wind direction had moved once more but the conditions remaining light and shifty. Despite taking the bullets in race one and two Jon Clarke stayed out for the final race to once again take a win with Vanda Jowlett taking second, Barry Wickes taking third, Rob wilder fourth and Jon Jowlett making it a family affair in fifth.
Overall despite the shifty, light winds, Steve Townsend set three different courses which made for a thoroughly enjoyable days racing.

Back to the club house for tea, cakes and a beer the prize giving was hosted by Jeremy Carey the BSC Commodore along with BSC Fleet Captain Paul Bristow with Glassware being handed out to the top 3 and top BSC helm

Congratulations to Jon Clarke for his three race wins and the event overall with Vanda Jowlett in Second, Rob Wilder in third and first Burghfield going to Ian Linder. Many thanks to the visitors who took part making it a sizeable fleet with competitive racing, to the race officer Steve Townsend, assistant race officers and the rescue crews for all their efforts. A special thanks to Jeremy the Commodore for his help and assistance throughout the day and being on the water with his camera to capture all the action.

The Thames Valley Solo Series is still not yet finally decided with Vanda Jowlett leading, Barry Wickes a close second and Dan Goodman needing one more event to qualify the 2010 title is still to play for with the final event of the series at Kingsmead.

Solo, Comet & Finn Open - 2nd October 2010

Solo, Finn & Comet Open is on Saturday 2nd October 2010, with the first race scheduled for an 11am start. There will be three races over the course of the day, one before lunch and two back to back in the afternoon from approximately 1.30pm.

Registration will be from 9.30am upstairs in the main clubroom. A race briefing will take place beneath the balcony at 10.30am. With the three races scheduled there will be one discard with two to count.

All racing will take place in accordance to the Club open meeting Sailing Instructions available to download below.

Order of Starts:

Finn first start
Solo Second Start
Comet Third Start.

Prize giving will be at the end of the day in the main Clubroom

Entry for the event is £12 per boat on the day or £10 per boat if when pre-registered using the link below. catering will be available for both breakfasts and lunch and I will endeavour to ensure that our caterers are up early and providing bacon butties for the early arrivals!

Make it a weekend event!

If you would like to make it a weekend event then please note that on the Sunday (3rd) the Club will be hosting its annual RNLI/Sailability- 'Cock of Burghfield' open challlenge. This a charity event with a minimum £3 entry fee ( but any donations are welcome- all monies go to RNLI and Sailablity)
Format for the day is three 70 minute pursuit races 1 before lunch and two back to back after. We hope that you can join us and help out the good causes.

If you require further information about the event please do not hesitate to contact me using the following e-mail address

Paul Bristow

Solo Open Report 3rd October 2009

The BSC Solo Open on 3rd October saw 14 visitors join 8 locals for the seventh meeting in the 2009 Thames Valley Solo series. Watching the weather forecasts throughout the week leading up to the event the predictions were for huge gusts in excess of 30 knots. Arriving at the club early the predictions were confirmed with the wind picking up as the 11 o’clock start got closer.

The race officer Steve Townsend set simple triangle courses in an attempt to give the sailors a fighting chance in what turned out to be force 4 to 5 gusting at times close to the predicted 30 knots and with numerous capsizes heading out to the start it was going to be a tough day.

Race one got away at the first attempt with the prospect of a long muscle burning beat down the lake. Jon Clark lost his mainsheet block in the first 50 yards and headed back for some much needed repairs. Dan Goodman took control battling not only the conditions but Andrew McGann in his brand new Boon Solo on its maiden voyage, David Sayce, Steve Jones and Joe Mclaughlin with Jonathan Jowett showing well.
With multiple capsizes taking place the rescue teams were kept busy and the fleet rapidly reduced to 15 finishers. Dan Goodman took the bullet followed by Andrew McGann, David Sayce, Steve Jones and Joe Mclaughlin.

Back in the club house for a welcome rest and warming lunch after which the much reduced fleet set off for the two afternoon back to back races. The conditions were still fierce and again race 2 got underway with the prospect of yet more muscle pain and inevitable capsizes. Jon Clark now back in the event with mainsheet block firmly attached got into the mix with Dan Goodman, Barry Wickes and Joe Mclaughlin but to his credit it was Will Loy in his restored Solo 186 who, to the delight of all the spectators took a lead up the first beat. Tough racing ensued and towards the end of the race Dan and Jon chose different sides up the beat with Dan just gaining enough to take his second bullet followed by Jon Clarke, Barry Wickes, Will Loy and Joe Mclaughlin.
Dan having now taken the Open win headed back to the clubhouse and 9 hardy competitors lined up for the final race in what can only be described as survival conditions with the fiercest gusts experienced all day. The boats were absolutely flying down the reaches quite literally in some cases with many sailors commenting that they were attaining speeds never experienced before.
Barry Wickes came out on top and was absolutely delighted to have his first open race win followed by Jon Clarke, David Sayce, Andrew McGann and Joe Mclaughlin.

Back to the club house for tea and cakes the talk was all about how the finishers and the Solo itself had performed outstandingly in the conditions, giving the spectators a sight to behold with all those competitors who took part well and truly earning their “bragging rights” for many years to come.

Congratulations to Dan Goodman for his two race wins and the event overall and a special mention for John Ewbank who despite numerous capsizes battled his way to complete all 3 races, finishing a credible 12th and top BSC helm.

Many thanks to the visitors who took part making it a sizeable fleet with competitive racing and providing a demonstration on how to master the conditions, to the race officer Steve Townsend, assistant race officers and the rescue crews for all their efforts with helping those who were unfortunate enough to need their invaluable assistance. Thanks to Sally Denchfield who managed to capture the action on camera from the committee boat.

Prize Giving took place in the clubhouse Hosted by Steve Townsend along with BSC Fleet captain Paul Bristow with Glassware being handed out to the top 3 and top BSC helm

BSC Solo Open 1 Nov 2008

The BSC rescheduled Solo Open on 1st November saw 10 visitors join 11 locals for the last meeting of the Thames Valley Solo series for 2008. In contrast to previous years and the abandoned meeting in September the wind had arrived all be it gusty and shifty from the NE and with the early birds breaking the ice off covers and mainsheets and the forecast for winds of 10knts gusting 23knts with heavy rain later it was destined to be a cold blustery winters day.

The race officer Steve Townsend set the courses using both ends of the lake tactically bringing the islands into play.

Race one got away at the first attempt in a light shifty wind and saw Will Loy rounding the first mark ahead followed by Jonathan Lewis along with Dan Goodman and local boy Dave Jones. Moving up the lake towards the motorway the wind increased with big gusts and big shifts which became the norm for the day. Vanda Young and Steve Jones were in the mix and after an hour’s racing Jonathan Lewis took the win followed by Will Loy, Dan Goodman, Vanda Young and Steve Jones.
Back to the club house for a welcome warm up and refuel with the afternoon back to back races getting underway at 13:15.

Jonathan Lewis, Will Loy and Dan Goodman got away from the fleet with a good battle ensuing between Jonathan and Will with them swapping the lead throughout the race. It was nip and tuck around the last mark heading up the final beat with Will taking the right side and Jonathan and Dan going left.

The left side paid with Jonathan taking the win Dan closing into second place ahead of Will, Michael Dray had a good showing in fourth Vanda fifth and local regular Chris Goswell taking sixth.
With the wind increasing the rain arriving and the temperature dropping Jonathan having taken two wins, Will on a promise! Along with seven others called it a day and headed in to watch the action from the warmth of the clubhouse.

A general recall saw the fleet get away at the second attempt with Dan Goodman consolidating his overall second place with a race win followed by Steve Jones, Andrew Voysey, Jonathan Jowett and Michael Dray.

Prize Giving took place in the clubhouse Hosted by BSC fleet captain Alan Jones with Glassware being handed out to the top 4 and top BSC helm outside the main placings.

Congratulations to Jonathan Lewis who considering he has sailed his boat no more than a few times this year makes his two wins all the more impressive. Congratulations also to Dan Goodman who clinched the Thames Valley Solo Series for 2008.

Thanks to the visitors who took part making it a sizeable fleet with competitive racing, to the race officer and the rescue crews with special thanks to Barbara Lewis in rescue two who managed to capture the action on video and new member Guy Buesnel for the photos and helping out on the committee boat.

Finally thanks to our Fleet Captain Alan Jones for organising a successful event and for all his efforts over the years ending his reign on a fitting note.

Solo Open, 2006

Saturday 30th September saw the first Solo open the club had seen for many years. We shared the open with 7 Wanderers and had a great mix of weather conditions from glorious sunshine and force 2/3 winds to squalls and flat calms! This still didn't stop all three races -set by Steve Townsend- being completed.

A total of 9 boats were on the water with two competitors from Kingsmead SC and one from Reading. The first race saw the visitors take an impressive lead over the home boats. Daniel Goodman lead for the whole race over Simon Corper and Ian Ayres before being overtaken on the final beat by Simon.
Kevin McGuinness sailed well and was first Burghfield boat followed by the rest of the Burghfield contingent with Pat Hayes sailing a brilliant race in his new boat. The fleet was held up by myself in last place!

Race two saw Mark Jones at the front of the fleet for much of the first lap until the speed of the visitors overcame him and saw him finish 4th with Ian 3rd Daniel 2nd and Simon 1st. The rest of the fleet were scattered due to heavy squalls surprising one or two! David Bewick and Dave Jones managed to keep upright to finished sixth and seventh respectively.

With 1st place wrapped up for Simon he let the other two battle it out for second place. Daniel came 1st with Ian a close second. Mark Jones was first Burghfield boat in fourth.

On the whole it was a great day for sailing and was good to see so many Solo's on the lake. Thanks go to Steve Townsend and his team for organising the racing. We hope to introduce an open into the Solo association calender for the new year and see yet more competitors at Burghfield.